Women’s work is never done: a sociological exploration of gender into the household division of labour and mothering roles and its contemporary implications for women in performing the “second shift”

Kljajevic, Bobana (2011) Women’s work is never done: a sociological exploration of gender into the household division of labour and mothering roles and its contemporary implications for women in performing the “second shift”. Honours thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

This thesis will examine why women are still expected to perform the “second shift” of both housework and childcare within contemporary society. To discuss this, an exploration of gender and feminist literature will explain the way men and women become associated with different gender traits and roles which occur through the socialisation process. In addition, a contemporary perspective will examine the changes that have occurred for women within the public areas of work and the implications for women in combining both their work and family obligations. This thesis will demonstrate that while feminine roles have been analysed by gender theory, further work needs to be done to challenge men’s roles within the home which has reinforced women’s continued association with their familial responsibilities.